Las Vegas GP Brought to a Standstill as Fears of Dangerous Track Problem Resurface
Free Practice 2 at the Las Vegas Grand Prix descended into chaos after the session was halted twice due to renewed anxiety over a potentially dangerous track defect — the same type of issue that infamously disrupted the event two years earlier.
With just over 20 minutes left on the FP2 clock, Race Control abruptly threw a red flag. No crashes, spins, or on-track incidents had occurred, leaving fans and teams initially confused. Moments later, the FIA confirmed that marshals had reported a possibly loose manhole cover in the final sector of the street circuit. Drivers were immediately instructed to return to the pit lane while officials inspected the area.
The FIA issued a statement explaining the decision: “After a marshal reported a potentially loose manhole cover ahead of Turn 17, Race Control could not verify the claim through available CCTV footage. As a safety precaution, the session was suspended while personnel conducted a physical inspection of the location.”
This development instantly brought back memories of the chaotic 2023 Las Vegas GP, when Carlos Sainz struck a displaced manhole cover at nearly 200 mph during FP1. The impact destroyed crucial components of his Ferrari, including the chassis, power unit, and even the survival cell. The session was abandoned entirely, and despite Sainz having no fault in the incident, he was controversially handed a 10-second grid penalty for taking replacement parts — a decision that sparked outrage across the paddock. The FIA later admitted that their regulations did not allow exceptions, even for what they called “unusual and unfortunate circumstances.”
Determined to avoid a repeat of that embarrassment, officials and trackside workers at this year’s race responded urgently to the FP2 warning. For roughly 15 minutes, safety personnel inspected the surface around Turns 16 and 17, checking for movement or instability. After concluding that the area no longer posed an immediate threat, Race Control allowed the session to resume, though only five minutes remained on the clock — barely enough time for drivers to complete a handful of push laps.
Second Red Flag Derails the Session Again
The resumed running did not last long. Charles Leclerc pulled to the side at Turn 5 shortly after the green flag, reporting sudden gearbox trouble over team radio. While that issue alone may not have warranted another stoppage, another red flag was raised just two minutes later — once again relating to concerns about a manhole cover.
According to the FIA, some Race Control personnel had remained trackside after the previous inspection. As cars began circulating again, the officials noticed one of the covers visibly shifting under load as drivers passed over it. Fearing the possibility of a catastrophic failure similar to the Sainz incident, Race Control immediately ended the session.
The governing body later confirmed: “On restart, Race Control personnel observed movement from the manhole cover. Due to safety concerns, the session was red-flagged and ultimately terminated. Additional examinations are now in progress.”
With FP2 effectively neutralized by lengthy stoppages, teams were left with limited data heading into the remainder of the weekend. Only a small number of laps were set at representative speed, though McLaren’s Lando Norris managed to clock the fastest time before the final red flag. Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli continued his impressive form by finishing a mere two-hundredths of a second slower, securing second place on the timing sheets.
Mounting Pressure on Las Vegas Organisers
This latest disruption adds to ongoing scrutiny of the Las Vegas circuit’s infrastructure. Manhole covers are typically welded down or reinforced during race weekends, especially on temporary street circuits. However, the venue has now faced repeated criticism for failing to secure the track adequately.
The 2023 disaster was widely considered one of the most embarrassing safety failures in recent Formula 1 history. With the same issue resurfacing two years later, fans and teams have begun questioning whether the necessary improvements were made.
Further inspections are scheduled before FP3 and qualifying to ensure all covers and access points are secure. Officials insist the remainder of the weekend will proceed as planned, but the double red-flag interruption has already cast a shadow over the event’s preparations.
